SENIOR Rugby
Creggs defeat Sligo Connacht Junior Cup
Connacht Junior Cup
Creggs Rugby 32, Sligo RFC 12.
Creggs maintained their recent run of results with an excellent victory over a strong Sligo team in the first round of the Connacht Junior Cup at The Green on Saturday evening.
Having launched the new 3G pitch with champagne rugby against Castlebar a week earlier,this was a much tougher encounter with Sligo asking serious questions before Creggs pulled away in the final quarter of a highly entertaining game.
Creggs dominated the early exchanges but could not break down the strong tackling Sligo defence . After a scoreless opening quarter, hooker Maurice Buckley finally broke through for a vital try following some powerful mauling by the home pack.
Shortly afterwards, a superbly placed kick by Shane Dowd unlocked the Sligo defence for winger Thomas Flynn to gather the ball at full speed and cross for a fine try in the right corner.
Sligo responded with a series of attacks which yielded a try after a defensive mix-up close to the Creggs line. With half-time looming, outhalf Shane Dowd cut through for a superb solo try to put Creggs 15 – 5 ahead but Sligo closed the half with a converted try to reduce the deficit to 3 points.
Creggs utilised the wind to good effect by pinning Sligo back with a series of well judged kicks by Mark Brandon and the Dowd brothers. Maurice Buckley scored his second try in the 54th minute following a close-in maul and Tom Oates crossed for another try in the 67th minute as Creggs gradually began to take control in the forward battle.
As both teams emptied their benches, play loosened up with Sligo attacking at every opportunity but staunch defence kept them at bay. In the final minute, Creggs scored a magnificent try with winger Chris Duignan crossing out wide after some brilliant interplay between backs and forwards. Duignan richly deserved his try as his defensive display was top class from start to finish.
Creggs advance to the quarter final of the Junior Cup following this victory where they have a home game against Monivea on the weekend of February 9th/10th.
In the meantime, Creggs resume Connacht J1 League action with two games back to back against Galwegians, one of which has been re-fixed from earlier in the season. First up is away in Glenina next Sunday, January 20th and then back to Creggs the following Sunday for the return fixture. These are two difficult hurdles which must be safely negotiated before what could be the clash of the season on February 3rd. against League leaders Connemara in Creggs.
Creggs Rugby: Ronan Dowd,Thomas Flynn,Kevin Gavin,Tom Callaghan,Chris Duignan,Shane Dowd,Mark Brandon;Aidan Leech,Maurice Buckley, Eoghan Farrell, Brian Donoghue, Kevin Brandon, Peter Lohan, Ronan Cahill, Brian Diffley, Sean Og Higgins, Brian Coady, Tom Oates, James Brandon, and Andrew Callaghan.
Creggs Development Team away v Oughterard
Connacht J1C League
Oughterard RFC 16, Creggs Development 15.
The Creggs Development team travelled last Sunday to play Oughterard RFC in the Connacht J1C League. They came up just short against tough opponent in an exciting game played in windy conditions in Oughterard.
A tremendous tap tackle on Creggs Tommy Devine deprived the visiting team of victory as the strong-running fullback was stopped just yards from the tryline in the final play of the match.
Oughterard led 16 – nil, at half-time with a try by former lrish international Jack Clarke and three well struck penalties and a conversion by out-half Bartley Walsh.
Creggs used the wind to good effect in the second half with astute kicking by scrum-half Matthew Browne driving his team forward.
Prop-forward Brian Coady burst through for a fine try in the 59th minute and when Damien Nolan touched down following a scrum with ten minutes remaining, Creggs were right back in the game.
However, Oughterard defended with great determination in the face of intense pressure and they held out until David Hoare scored a try out wide to reduce the deficit to a single point in the 78th minute. Michael Farrell’s well struck conversion from the touchline was narrowly wide and then Oughterard had to survive the final onslaught which almost yielded victory for Creggs.
The Creggs players performed with great spirit and no little skill with Eoghan Cahill, Tommy Curley, Brian Coady, Tommy Devine, John Scroope, and highly impressive scrum-half Matthew Browne to the fore.
Creggs play Portumna away next Sunday at 2.30pm, and after this encouraging performance, we will hope for a great game next weekend. Training on Tuesday (8pm) and Friday (8.30pm). New and returning players, always welcome.
Creggs Rugby: Tommy Devine, John Scroope, Barry Egan, Conor Gore, Niall Cunniffe, Michael Farrell, Matthew Browne, Brian Coady, Enda Tully, Tommy Curley, Alan Glennon, Damien Nolan, Eoghan Cahill, Michael Feeley, Peter Heavey, Mattie Corcoran, David Hoare, Jamie Ryan, and John Devine.
Creggs to host Connacht v Munster Junior Inter-Pro
It has just been announced that Creggs RFC will host the Connacht v Munster Junior Inter-Provential on Saturday, May 11th. It should be a great occasion in Creggs to bring the curtain down on the rugby season, and to showcase the new training/ playing facilities at the club.
It will be the third and final inter-pro, so there could be a title at stake on the day. Creggs head coach Pat Cunningham is a coach and selector on the Connacht team.
YOUTH Rugby
Creggs Under-17’s win lines up League Semi-Final date
Connacht Under-17A League
Monivea RFC 12, Creggs RFC 14.
Creggs Under-17’s had already guaranteed a league Semi Final slot before travelling to Monivea RFC last Sunday in the Connacht Under-17A League, but will be disappointed with their performance especially in the first half and will have lots to work on if they are to continue to progress in the competition.
| POS | TEAM | PLD | W | L | D | PF | PA | DIFF | BP M | DED | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Ballinasloe | 8 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 266 | 49 | 217 | 0 | 0 | 32 |
| 0 | Galwegians | 8 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 313 | 111 | 202 | 0 | 0 | 28 |
| 0 | Buccaneers | 8 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 214 | 118 | 96 | 0 | 0 | 22 |
| 0 | Creggs | 8 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 169 | 168 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 22 |
| 0 | Sligo | 8 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 213 | 201 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 16 |
| 0 | Corinthians | 8 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 245 | 197 | 48 | 0 | 0 | 12 |
| 0 | Monivea | 8 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 129 | 287 | -158 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| 0 | Claremorris/Tuam | 7 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 95 | 237 | -142 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 0 | Ballina | 7 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 51 | 327 | -276 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Monivea started the game well and were aided by Creggs mistakes in the set piece and in open play and were well worth their 12-0 half time lead.
Creggs regrouped and had a much better second half. Up front Lorcan Maher was very impressive on his introduction and Ciaran Corcoran, Jack Tucker, Adam Donnelly and Ethan Glennon carried well while out wide Mark Dowd and Cian Glennon were a threat going forward.
Creggs got back into the game after 7 minutes of the second half when good work upfront from Ronan Lambe, Kian Moran and Tiernan O Sullivan, set the ball up for Ben Finnerty to release the back line and Aaron Lyons went over in the corner after the ball went through the back line. Mark Purcell converted from the sideline to reduce the deficit to 12-7.
Creggs continued to attack and their set piece was now functioning and giving them much needed possession. Creggs took the lead with 10 minutes remaining when good carry from Kian Moran was carried on by Jack Tucker who offloaded to Ciaran Corcoran to go over in the left corner which again Purcell converted to lead 14-12.
Creggs held out for the win despite Monivea having a good opportunity to take the points from a penalty and they now look forward to a semi final which will be in two weeks probably against a very impressive Ballinasloe RFC team.
Also, in the Connacht Under-17 Cup Draw, Creggs will be away to the winners of Sligo and Corrib in the Quarter-Final on March 10th.
Well done to the Under-17 players and coaches – we wish them well in their upcoming big games.
Creggs Rugby: Conor McNulty, Ethan Glennon, Kian Moran, Jack Tucker, Ronan Lambe, Adam Donnelly, Ciaran Corcoran , Mark Purcell, , Lorcan Maher, Aaron Lyons, Ben Finnerty, Darren Gately, Tiernan O Sullivan, Mark Dowd, Jack Deegan, Cian Glennon,Daniel Hill, Naoise Coyle, and Kyle Kelly.
Creggs Under-15 win claims home League Semi-Final
Connacht Under-15A League
Creggs RFC 26, Ballinasloe RFC 19.
Creggs Under-15’s having qualified already for the League Semi Finals, played their last league game against Ballinasloe RFC last Saturday morning in Creggs, coming out with a hard fought 26-19 victory.
| POS | TEAM | PLD | W | L | D | PF | PA | DIFF | BP M | DED | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Corinthians | 8 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 192 | 57 | 135 | 0 | 0 | 28 |
| 0 | Creggs | 8 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 211 | 196 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 24 |
| 0 | Galwegians | 8 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 223 | 96 | 127 | 0 | 0 | 20 |
| 0 | Buccaneers | 7 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 184 | 141 | 43 | 0 | 0 | 20 |
| 0 | Ballina | 8 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 223 | 154 | 69 | 0 | 0 | 16 |
| 0 | Oughterard | 8 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 152 | 207 | -55 | 0 | 0 | 12 |
| 0 | Sligo | 8 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 138 | 154 | -16 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| 0 | Ballinasloe | 7 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 97 | 191 | -94 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| 0 | Westport | 8 | 1 | 6 | 1 | 100 | 324 | -224 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
Creggs started the game well with good carries from Michael McAteer, Lee kilcoyne, Aidan Hoare, and Miquel Arthur and got in for a try from Tomas Tiernan which was very well converted by DJ Hession for a 7-0 lead after only 5 minutes.
Ballinasloe then used their big ball carriers and had the majority of the possesion for the following 10 minutes and got in for well taken try to level the game 7 – 7 after 15 minutes.
Creggs went back on the attack from the kick off and Ciaran Purcell got in for a try in the corner to restore the Creggs lead to 12 -7 but Ballinasloe finished the half stronger and got in for their second try to lead 14-12 at half time.
Ballinasloe again started the second half better and goti n for another try after 7 minutes to lead 19-12. Creggs then started to eventually take control and some brilliant carries from Noah Fallon, Kayk Oliviera, Aindriu Oates up front and Edimar Fimho and Josh Verling out wide gave Creggs good territory.
Ciaran Purcell got in for his second try after 15 minutes after intercepting the ball from the back of a lineout and running 35 metres to the line. A little later, Tomas Tiernan got in for Creggs fourth and his second try under the posts, which DJ Hession converted 5 minutes from the end to give Creggs a 26-19 lead.
Ballinasloe did have one last attack and Cormac Feeley, Cormac Dolan and Senan Lambe did well in defence towards the end to make sure Ballinasloe didn’t get in for the score.
Creggs Under-15’s will now have home Connacht League Semi-Final, scheduled to be played on next Saturday week, January 26th. If Buccaneers defeat Ballinasloe next weekend, they will provide the opposition. If Ballinasloe win that one, it will be Galwegians that Creggs will play in the Semi-Final.
Also, in the Connacht Under-15 Cup Draw, Creggs will be away to NUIG on February 23rd. Well done to the Under-15 players and coaches – we wish them well in their upcoming big games.
Creggs Rugby: Lee Kilcoyne, Michael McAteer, Patrick Keane, Cormac Feeley, Aidan Hoare, Ciaran Purcell, Tomas Tiernan, Cormac Dolan, DJ Hession, Edimar Fimho, Senan Lambe, Josh Verling, Noah Fallon, , Oisin O Beirne, Aindriu Oates, Shane Maloney, Kayk Olivera, Miguel Arthur, Eoghan Gilleran, and Jimmy Hoey.
Great day out for Creggs Under-13 squad in Galway
Creggs Under-13’s traveled to play Monivea away on Saturday last and afterwards the full squad, coaches and some parents attended the Connacht v Sale game in the Sportsground.
Back Row – Oisin Mullen, Roan Trundle, Leo O’Connor, Sean Allen, John Quinn, Josh Reddington, Harry O’Sullivan, Cian Escosio, John McGuinness, Jamie Betts, Ruari Kenny, Shayne Ward, James Molloy, and Lochlann Mulry.
Front Row – Cathal Maloney, Aaron McAteer, Luke Dolan, Jarlath Quinn, Rory Coyle, Conor Morris, Josh McCormack, and Eoin Brennan.
Creggs Under-13s played away to Monivea in the Connacht League on Saturday last. Monivea got off to a flyer with two quick tries, with Creggs finding themselves 12-0 down after ten minutes.
Tries from John McGuinness and man-of-the match Jarlath Quinn brought Creggs back level midway throught the first half.
Captain Sean Allen, Oisin Mullen, Shayne Ward and Leo O’Connor led the way in the forwards with James Molloy, Aaron Mc Ateer and Cathal Maloney leading the backline.
Half Time saw Creggs trailing 17-12 but the gap was back to the minimum when Josh McCormack scored a try for Creggs straight after the break. Two late breakaway tries for Monivea saw them running out winners on a scoreline of 28-21.
A very competitive game in which the Creggs boys showed great heart and determination against one of the strongest teams in the League.
The day wasn’t over and the afternoon saw the lads continuing on after the match into the Sportsgrounds in Galway to watch a strong Connacht team beating the Sale Sharks in the European Challenge Cup. A great outing was had by all. Well done to the coaches and parents for all their good work.
Youth Team Fixtures
YOUTH Team’s (Boys) FIXTURES
Creggs Under-18.5’s will prepare for their upcoming Connacht League Final when they play at home to Monivea/Westport Combination Team in their last Connacht Under-18.5 League game next Sunday at 12pm in Creggs.
The Final will be against the Semi-Final winner of Corrib RFC v NUIG RFC.
YOUTH Team’s (Girls) FIXTURES
Creggs Under-14 Girls will play Corinthians RFC away in Galway next weekend in the Connacht Under-14 Girls Cup. Time TBC .
Creggs Under-16 Girls will play against Ballina RFC i Creggs in their Cup the following weekend.
N.B. – Always check CreggsRugby.ie for any late changes to the fixtures.
YOUTH Team’s (Boys & Girl’s) TRAINING
Creggs Under-14 & Under-16 Girls Training on Monday nights at 7.30pm.
Creggs Under-13 & Under-14 Boys training on Tuesday nights at 7pm.
Creggs Under-15 Training on Thursday night at 7pm.
Creggs Under-16 Training on Friday evening at 6pm.
Creggs Under-17 & Under-18’s Training on Thursday nights at 8pm.
MINI Rugby
Creggs Mini’s of all ages ( Under-6’s, Under-7’s, Under-8’s, Under-9’s, Under-10’s, Under-11’s and Under-12’s) will visit Monivea RFC next Saturday for a Blitz. A text will be sent with all time details for what should be a good morning in Monivea.
And good news for the Creggs Under-12’s – next month, the team will play at half time in the Pro 14 League’s Connacht v Cheetahs game on Saturday, the 16th of February at 5.30pm. More details from the Under-12 coaches and Mini Rugby management.